Lake Lure
A winding man-made lake ringed by mountains, the filming location of Dirty Dancing, with sightseeing boat rides and beach swimming.
Lake Lure was created in 1927. Its winding shoreline and mountain reflections have earned it a reputation as one of the most beautiful artificial lakes in the world, and the film Dirty Dancing was shot here. In summer you can take a sightseeing cruise of about an hour, rent kayaks or swim at the lakeside beaches. After Hurricane Helene in 2024, the lake area and the Flowering Bridge were badly damaged, and facilities are reopening in stages, so confirm boat tour and beach openings before setting out. It is next to Chimney Rock and can be visited on the same day.
Opening hours
Open all day; cruises operate seasonally
Nearby sights
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
- Craggy Gardens
- Folk Art Center
- Western North Carolina Nature Center
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- Biltmore Village
- Biltmore Estate